The potential Rugby League World Cup sell-out at Huddersfield John Smith’s Stadium is a huge boost for the game in the region.
Tickets sales have topped 22,000 for the clash between England and Ireland at stadium and tournament organisers are confident the remaining tickets will go.
The Group A game is on November 2, and looks certain to be played in front of a capacity crowd of over 24,000.
The match has become the fastest selling England fixture of competition, though sales are also strong for the showdown with Fiji at the KC Stadium in Hull, on November 9, and the clash with Australia at the Opening Ceremony in Cardiff on October 26.
Demand has been helped as this is England’s only guaranteed game in West Yorkshire – the opposition being Ireland has also proved a big draw.
Cllr Jean Calvert, Kirklees Council Cabinet Member, said: “There can be no better setting for a Rugby League World Cup match than in the birthplace of rugby league – Huddersfield.
“And there could be no better match to be played at the John Smith’s Stadium than England against Ireland.
“The game will be a culmination of many months of hard work.
“As well as the in the build-up to the big game we have a wide range of projects bringing Rugby League activities to schools, community clubs, sports centres and libraries – all inspiring local people to get involved in the game as players, coaches or spectators.
“Hosting a Rugby League World Cup 2013 match in Kirklees has given the council and its partners a unique and exciting opportunity.
Gareth Davies, managing director of KSDL, said: “We at the Stadium are equally as proud of our role in making this match such a success.
“ We have worked hard over a long period both with Kirklees Council and Rugby League World Cup 2013.
“The result is a showpiece national sporting event at our community Stadium that we are all proud of”.
